Business Services Industry

U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Networking Devices Now Delivering Up to Four Times the Speed and Improved Performance

Business Wire, Nov 18, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

COMDEX Fall 2002

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2002

U.S. Robotics(R) 22 Mbps wireless networking products are now capable of providing users with up to four times faster data throughput speeds over other 802.11b standard equipment. The latest development firmware upgrade and driver update will be available for a FREE download to existing U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps customers and will come standard for new users starting in January.

Through the optimization of software and a driver update, U.S. Robotics is providing the fastest wireless speeds available today in the 2.4-gigahertz frequency range. This feature enhancement increases productivity by allowing faster file transfers between multiple network users. Based on advanced 802.11b silicon chip technology from Texas Instruments, U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps product family will remain fully compatible with standard 802.11b Wi-Fi devices and interoperable with forthcoming 802.11g equipment.

"The performance enhancement comes at time when wireless users are increasingly using their networks to share and transfer extremely large multimedia files -- for example, MP3, video and digital photography," said Juan Lopez, product line manager for networking, U.S. Robotics. "While our current 22 Mbps line offers twice the speed of standard 802.11b products, this new feature will double that."

U.S. Robotics' 22 Mbps wireless networking suite includes products designed for quick and easy installation and allows users to securely share Internet access, files and printers. The products are capable of networking multiple PCs without the hassle of running cables or wires, expanding an existing 802.11b wireless local area network (LAN) or creating a new wireless LAN.

"By providing products with higher 802.11b throughput, U.S. Robotics products will enable consumers to get more out of their WLANs for high-speed applications," said Remi El-Ouazzane, director of business and product management for TI's Wireless Networking Business Unit. "TI is continually working to improve 802.11 throughput to provide consumers with the most robust 802.11 experiences -- these U.S. Robotics products are a testament to that."

The following U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps wireless networking equipment will offer the firmware upgrade and driver update:

-- USR8022 -- U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router a four-in-one product solution that includes a 2-port Ethernet switch, integrated 802.11b 22 Mbps wireless access point, router and integrated print server.

-- USR2249 -- U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless Access Point enables users to securely share files, Internet access and peripherals with multiple users when combined with U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps PC Cards or PCI Adapters.

-- USR2210 -- U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless PC Card for laptop computers.

-- USR2216 -- U.S. Robotics 22 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter for desktop computers.

About U.S. Robotics

For three decades, U.S. Robotics has been the world's leader in Internet access, delivering the highest quality and most innovative modems available. Since re-emerging as an independent company, U.S. Robotics has extended its leadership role in Internet access and connectivity, providing wireless networking products for homes and small offices, cable and DSL modems for broadband access and wireless Internet devices.

The company is partnering with key industry players and new technology providers to bring consumers connectivity solutions through its extensive worldwide distribution channel. U.S. Robotics is committed to ensuring the quality, reliability and ease of use consumers have learned to expect from a leading company.

U.S. Robotics is privately held and headquartered in the Chicago area. For further information regarding the company and its products, please visit the Web site at www.usr.com.